Drugs and gang activity frustrate Rogers Park residents

At Thursday's regular CAPS meeting, Officer Michael Riordan told residents that patrol officers on the beat are targeting the problem areas, particularly near Howard and Clark streets and in the area of the nearby shopping mall.

The meeting was attended by Alderman Joe Moore (D-49), whose ward includes Rogers Park, West Ridge and parts of Edgewater.

The 24th district will have a new commander on Sunday, as Deputy Chief Steve Caluris takes over for Commander Bruce Rottner, who has been promoted to deputy chief for the Area 3 patrol division.

Residents were also informed of a new plan that will allow them to call 911 anonymously.

Building owner Larry Birch voiced frustration over the
vandalism and property damage he deals with on a regular basis
as the result of drug and gang activity. "I've lost several tenants
because they're just too afraid and I don't know what to do," said Birch, who said the police response was often lagging.